Leather care

[Major Tom]

I recently bought an original trapdoor sling in excellent condition. No rotten places and it is very pliable. Al Frasca recommended a product called 'Black Rock Leather Preserve'. Since I can't find this product, what do you guys recommend?

[JB White]

I've been using Pecard's Antique Leather Dressing. One of the conditioners the Smithsonian uses.
If unavailable locally, you can call them in Green Bay WI. and they'll take a CC over the phone. Shipping is quick too.

Or...order direct from their web site
http://www.pecard.com/

[Skookum]

I've used both. First Pecards, years ago. Now exclusively using Black Rock. I've found it at shows. A friend ordered from a distributor. In my opinion Black Rock is a much better product. Make the effort to find a Black Rock source--it's worth it.

[Gunner]

I work since many years in a saddlery we often restore old leather parts. You can use those famous products from above, they are worth every $ you pay for. You can also go to a saddlery buy a good leatheroil, clean the sling with mild soap and water let it dry and apply the oil as long as the leather will soak it. Then let it dry a few days and apply twice a year a thin layer thats enough to hold the sling for many years in excellent condition. Dont dry it in the sun or with an hairdryer, because it`s harden the leather. Beware of using baby cream and leathercream that contains silicone oil thats bullsh## .

Regards

Gunner

[JB White]

This is the first I've come to know of Black Rock. I did a quick search and even read a few comparrisons between the two (Pecards). I was also looking for pros and cons one versus the other. From what I gather....it seems as though they are about equal in application and performance?

Those of you who have used both, do you have a preference? Oh, and why?

Thanks

[Johnny P]

Whatever you use, don't use Neetsfoot Oil on 100 year old leather. It may be good for boots and baseball gloves, but is death to old leather.

[JB White]

It can also rot stitching.

[Johnny P]

I've used both. First Pecards, years ago. Now exclusively using Black Rock. I've found it at shows. A friend ordered from a distributor. In my opinion Black Rock is a much better product. Make the effort to find a Black Rock source--it's worth it.

I have been using Pecards for about 25 years with excellent results, and have seen the Black Rock at gun shows, but never tried it. In your opinion what makes the Black rock much better than the Pecards?
When I started using the Pecards I had never heard of the Black Rock, or would probably have tried it too. I went through several products before I settled on the Pecards. Ruined one old holster with Lexol, and while Mink Oil kept the leather soft, a white substance still forms on leather treated with it almost 30 years ago. My father believed in Neetsfoot Oil, and treated a Randall knife sheath with it about 35 years ago, and today the leather is coming apart.

[kragnut]

Dick Hosmer and 5madfarmers recommended Pecards to me and I've been using it for a couple of years now with great sucess. It wont soften up stiff leather as fast as neatsfoot will, but neatsfoot will ruin leather over the long haul.

[Fox Wood]

I recently bought an original trapdoor sling in excellent condition. No rotten places and it is very pliable. Al Frasca recommended a product called 'Black Rock Leather Preserve'. Since I can't find this product, what do you guys recommend?

Ground control to Major Tom! :-D
If you have not yet found Blackrocks Leather Products, please check the link listed below.

http://www.blackrockleather.com/Blac...h/Welcome.html

Fox.